UPSC Prelims 2002 Q30: Medieval History – Sufism
With reference to Sufism in Indian history, consider the following statements:
1. Shaikh Ahmad Sarhandi was a contemporary of Ibrahim Lodi
2. Shaikh Nasiruddin Chirag - i - Dehlavi was a disciple of Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya
3. Aurangzeb was contemporary of Shaikh Salim Chisti
4. The Qadiri order of Sufis was first introduced in India by Shaikh Niamtullah and Makhdum
Muhammad Jilani
Which of these statements are correct?
- (a) 1 and 2
- (b) 1 and 3
- (c) 2 and 3
- (d) 2 and 4
Answer: (d) 2 and 4
Explanation
Sufism in Indian history
| Statement | Verdict |
|---|---|
| 1. Sarhindi was a contemporary of Ibrahim Lodi | False — Shaikh Ahmad Sarhindi (1564-1624) lived under Akbar and Jahangir; Ibrahim Lodi died in 1526 |
| 2. Chirag-i-Dehlavi was a disciple of Nizamuddin Auliya | True — he succeeded Nizamuddin as the Chishti head in Delhi |
| 3. Aurangzeb was a contemporary of Salim Chishti | False — Salim Chishti died in 1572, when Akbar ruled |
| 4. Qadiri order first introduced by Niamtullah and Makhdum Jilani | True — in the 15th century |
Statements 2 and 4 are correct, so the answer is 2 and 4. Sarhindi (Naqshbandi) belongs to the Akbar-Jahangir period and Salim Chishti to Akbar's time, so statements 1 and 3 fail.
Answer: (d) 2 and 4.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 1 is false because Sarhindi lived after Ibrahim Lodi's death.
- (b) Incorrect. Both statements 1 and 3 are false.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 3 is false because Salim Chishti was Akbar's contemporary.
- (d) CORRECT. Statements 2 and 4 are true.
Key point
Chishti: Nizamuddin Auliya, Chirag-i-Dehli; Qadiri: Niamatullah, Jilani; Naqshbandi: Sarhindi; Salim Chishti: Fatehpur Sikri.
Remember
Chirag-i-Dehlavi followed Nizamuddin Auliya; Qadiri came in the 15th century.
Common mistakes
- Placing Sarhindi in the Lodi period.
- Linking Salim Chishti with Aurangzeb instead of Akbar.
- Forgetting that Chirag-i-Dehli followed Nizamuddin.
Exam tip
Check dates: Lodi ended 1526, Salim Chishti died 1572, Aurangzeb ruled 1658-1707.
Sources
- Satish Chandra — Medieval India
- Spectrum — Medieval India